1986 Citroën 2CV6 – Project Profile

The mighty 2CV was the car that put Citroën on the map. The French answer to the Volkswagen Beetle, the 2CV was a car for the people, built to mobilise the masses. It was simple, it was rugged and while it perhaps wasn’t intended, it was full of charm and character. It’s why the 2CV is still loved today. It’s fun, somewhat cheeky almost. It was and still is a car with soul. And in a world of emotionless modern cars, soul is a welcome thing.

The 2CV was launched in 1948 but didn’t end production until 1990. Millions of them were built during that time, and while the design did indeed evolve over the years, it wasn’t by much. Park a 1948 2CV next to a 1990 model and you’ll be able to tell they’re the same car. It was proof that good, simple, effective design is long lasting. And of course, good, simple design is also sought after, especially in classic cars. It’s why the 2CV is still popular today, and why prices are on the up. This one, then, with its £1,700 asking price is one to pounce on. 

What is it? 

The car we have here is a 1987 Citroën 2CV6. Sadly, the V6 in the name doesn’t mean it has a V6 engine. Instead, it’s a nod to the fact it has a thumping 602cc air-cooled engine. Think of it as the 2CV GTi of sorts. That said, while it’s the quickest version of the 2CV, the term ‘quickest’ is relative. But it’s fine, as you don’t buy a 2CV for the speed. You buy it for the charm, and this 1987 model has plenty of that.

The vendor states that it’s been parked up for eight years, and that it needs complete restoration as a result. We’ll get into the details below, but let’s just say that on the face of it, this Citroën doesn’t seem too bad at all. Painted a light cream colour, rust would be quick to show, so it’s pleasing to see the body is largely free of any staining from oxidation. Being a 2CV6, it has a slightly more plush, comfortable interior than earlier cars, and you of course still get the full length opening roof, too. It’s complete, it will run with some gentle persuasion and as such, it strikes us as being well worth saving. 

Why is it a project? 

As mentioned above, the little Citroën has been sat idle for nearly a decade, and as such, it needs a complete going through. However, it looks to be pretty solid, even underneath. The vendor has supplied images of the underside and it looks decent, with no obvious holes or structural failure. The body looks good, too. As we said, that cream paint will show rust keenly, but there is none to be seen. The glass is all there, the doors look good, as does the interior and even the roof. 

The engine runs with a bit of fuel, according to the vendor. It will need, at the very minimum, a complete service if not a complete overhaul. You’ll also need to service the transmission and the brakes, we imagine. Tyres will be past their best, as will the other rubber parts like seals and so on. Crucially though, this 2CV6 looks like a pretty solid, honest place from which to start. Plus, there are myriad specialists out there who can supply parts and expertise. Combine this with the fact the 2CV6 is no more complicated than a cheese sandwich and you’re left with a project anyone could tackle. 

Five things to look for:

1) Rust

The biggest nemesis of the 2CV is rust. It will eat these little cars alive. The floorpan is what you really need to look at, along with the chassis structure. It looks okay on this one, but still check. 

2) Engine

The air-cooled 602cc is a tough little lump, and being air-cooled, it won’t be full of corrosion and sludge that was once coolant. However, you still need to check it for smoke, for internal noises and for any other issues like oil leaks. 

3) Suspension

The suspension is crucial on any car, but especially so on a 2CV. There are swing arms front and back, which are kept under tension by a single spring on either side. Two springs look after all four wheels. You need to look underneath and check the condition of it. 

4) Electrics

As with any old car, you need to inspect the electrics. Happily, the 2CV is a simple machine, but look for any bodges, any breaks in the wiring or any heat damage. 

5) Roof

The 2CV’s trademark folding roof seems to be in good order in the supplied images, and seems to function as it should. However, you need to look for cracks, breaks or any other issues like failed seals and the like – as this could mean water ingress and then corrosion.

What should you do with it? 

If it’s as solid as it looks, you could simply give this old Citroën 2CV6 a thorough overhaul and then drive it about and have it as a rolling restoration. If you have the space, you could completely disassemble the whole lot and fully restore it at home – it’s simple enough to do. Or you could go wild, and race it. No, seriously, the 2CV makes a great little race car. It’s also a popular trial car. Fit some knobbly tyres and spotlights and you could be bouncing through the woods before you know it – it’s already got bull bars fitted, so you’re halfway there!